At a time when the second wave of the pandemic is truly here, instances of VIP culture seeking preferential treatment in both testing for the Wuhan coronavirus as well as seeking ICU beds have shot up alarmingly. In a letter to Prime Minister Modi, doctor’s association has called out the VIP culture in government hospitals for Covid testing.
The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), in its letter to PM Modi, expressed concerns about the prevailing “VIP culture” in government hospitals amid the second wave of the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic.
In fact, the association of doctors highlighted how there are separate VIP counters at several Central government-run hospitals which offer coronavirus testing only to politicians and ministers.
The letter read, “But doctors have no separate counter for testing.”
The letter which is signed by FAIMA President Dr Rakesh Bagdi, Vice-President Dr Amarnath Yadav and General Secretary Dr Subrankar Datta noted how despite the doctors being at the frontline in the battle against the deadly pandemic, unfortunately, doctors have no facilities available when they test positive for the Chinese virus.
The letter stated, “…we wish to inform you that doctors being at the forefront of the epidemic are risking their own lives but what we receive in return is standing in long queues for Covid testing, no bed or ICU availability when tested positive for our own self.”
FAIMA added, “priority is being given to all the so called politicians and party workers who have actually held rallies and increased the spread of virus”.
In what reveals the extent of the VIP culture, despite having separate counters for Covid testing for themselves, many politicians call doctors to their residence for check-ups and testing.
The letter which has been accessed by ThePrint states, “Majority of the politicians call doctors at their residence which has no legal order from the medical Superintendent but is carried out informally.”
Urging the Prime Minister to “look into the matter seriously”, the association of doctors concluded its letter.
It is unfortunate that the country’s elected representatives instead of serving the people are bending the rules so that they don’t face any hassle during such unprecedented times. The recent case of a senior doctor being shouted and hounded by a couple of Congress leaders further highlights the prevalent VIP culture in India. Despite the Prime Minister categorically stating that no elected representative should jump the line and get vaccinated and instead should wait for their turn, there were instances of some Shiv Sena leaders in Maharashtra and TMC leaders in West Bengal jumping the queue and getting vaccinated. The Central government must ensure a crackdown on the VIP culture if we were to win the battle against the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic.
